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Once you’ve undergone extensive vetting and been matched with your future child, finalization is the last piece of the adoption process to fall into place. Therefore, it’s reasonable to be both thrilled and anxious as you prepare for the court appearance with an adoption lawyer. To ensure you know what to expect, review the following guide before the big day.

A Guide to the Adoption Finalization Process

What to Expect

About three to 12 months after your child is placed with your family, you’ll be scheduled for the finalization hearing. While your time with the judge will typically last around 15 minutes, you should set aside at least an hour for the proceedings. Arrive at your appointment at least 15 minutes early, as there will likely be a crowd of other parents and adoption lawyers waiting.

Most finalizations are casual and end happily for families. Unless they’ve pushed back the hearing date substantially, you shouldn’t worry about the judge changing their mind. Your attorney will already have provided the necessary documents to the judge, such as an original birth certificate, and they will have reviewed them before the hearing. 

What Will Happen During the Hearing

adoption lawyer Elizabethtown, KYIn the courtroom, the judge will swear in your family, attorney, and social worker, and ask you to introduce yourself. They will then ask some simple questions, such as what your motivations to adopt are, if you understand how permanent the decision is, and if you can provide a loving home.

If you are married, they might ask your spouse if they heard your answers and if they would answer similarly—they won’t ask for separate answers from your partner. If the child is 12 or older, they will usually ask the minor if they would like to be adopted by you. Once the adoption is finalized, they will invite your new family to take a celebratory photo—and they might even let your child bang the gavel!

What Happens Next

After finalization, the courts will issue a new birth certificate for your child. You can use this document, as well as other finalization forms to apply for a new Social Security card for your adopted child. Bring these documents to the board of education office so that they can update their records. You should also contact your life insurance policy provider to let them know about the finalization and add a beneficiary. 

 

If you’re eager to begin this exciting process and build your loving family, reach out to an adoption lawyer at Lonneman & McMahan. This Elizabethtown, KY, firm boasts over three decades of experience. In addition to adoption and other family law situations, they also work on criminal law, bankruptcy, estate planning, and personal injury cases. For an attorney that will be receptive to your concerns and one step ahead of your needs, call (270) 765-2190 to arrange for a free consultation. You can also visit the website to learn more about their trusted adoption lawyers.

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